JP2018146515A - Electronic balance and store management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic balance and a store management system that can precisely weigh the weight of an article when the electronic balance is used by always placing the article on it.SOLUTION: An electronic balance 10B includes a weighing unit 28 for weighing the weight of an article; a storage unit 22 for storing measurement data output by the weighting unit 28; and a control unit 24 for calculating the weight of the article on the basis of the measurement data. The control unit 24 obtains the measurement data from the storage unit 22 when the electronic balance is turned on.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic scale and a store management system.

  Conventionally, for example, an electronic balance described in Patent Document 1 is known. In the electronic balance described in Patent Document 1, zero correction is performed to set the measurement value to “0 (zero)” in a state where no article is placed on the measurement unit (no load).

JP 11-311565 A

  Electronic balances usually perform zero point correction when the power is turned on. Therefore, in the electronic scale, when the power is turned on, the measured value is set to zero. As a usage form of the electronic scale, there is a case where the article is always used while being placed on the weighing unit. In this mode of use, for example, if the power is turned on after the power is unexpectedly turned off, the zero point correction is performed, so that the weight of the article is zero. That is, the weight of the article is not measured. In this case, it is necessary to take down the article once from the measuring section of the electronic scale, which is troublesome. In the first place, when the article is present in the weighing unit of the electronic balance, an error may occur and weighing may not be performed.

  An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an electronic scale and a store management system that can accurately measure the weight of an article when the article is always placed and used.

  An electronic scale according to one aspect of the present invention includes a weighing unit that measures the weight of an article, a storage unit that stores weighing data output from the weighing unit, and a control unit that calculates the weight of the article based on the weighing data. The control unit acquires the weighing data from the storage unit when the power is turned on.

  In the electronic scale according to one aspect of the present invention, when power is turned on, the weighing data is acquired from the storage unit. As a result, the electronic balance can calculate the current weight of the article based on the weighing data acquired from the storage unit even when the article is constantly placed. Therefore, the electronic balance can accurately weigh the current article after the power is turned on.

  In one embodiment, the control unit may calculate the weight of the current article based on the weighing data acquired from the storage unit. In this configuration, the weight of the current article after being turned on can be accurately weighed.

  In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to immediately before and after the power is turned on based on the weighing data acquired from the storage unit and the weighing data output from the weighing unit after the power is turned on. May be calculated, and the current weight of the article may be calculated based on the difference. Thereby, even when there is a change in the weight of the article immediately before the power is turned off and after the power is turned on, the current weight of the article after the power is turned on can be accurately calculated.

  A store management system according to one aspect of the present invention is a store management system including an electronic scale and a management device that manages the electronic scale, the electronic scale including a weighing unit that measures the weight of an article, and a weighing unit A first communication unit that transmits the weighing data output from the management device, receives data transmitted from the management device, and a first control unit that calculates the weight of the article based on the weighing data. The management device receives the weighing data transmitted from the electronic balance, and also transmits a second communication unit that transmits data to the electronic balance, a storage unit that stores the weighing data received by the second communication unit, and an electronic balance. A second control unit that obtains the weighing data stored in the storage unit and transmits the weighing data to the electronic balance in response to a request from the electronic control unit. If entered, the weighing data is Request the acquires metering data transmitted from the management device.

  In the store management system according to one aspect of the present invention, when the electronic scale is turned on, the electronic scale requests the management device for the measurement data and acquires the measurement data transmitted from the management device. As a result, the store management system can calculate the weight of the current article based on the weighing data acquired from the storage unit even when the article is always placed. Therefore, the store management system can accurately weigh the current article after the power is turned on.

  Further, in the store management system according to one aspect of the present invention, in order to manage the weighing data in the management device, when a plurality of stores are equipped with electronic scales, the weighing data of the electronic balances of the respective stores are collectively collected. Can be managed. That is, store management is possible in the store management system.

  In one embodiment, the first control unit may calculate the current weight of the article based on the weighing data transmitted from the management device. In this configuration, the weight of the current article after being turned on can be accurately weighed.

  In one embodiment, the first communication unit and the second communication unit may transmit and receive measurement data by wireless communication. With this configuration, it is possible to easily improve the layout flexibility of the electronic balance.

  In one embodiment, the electronic scale is provided in each of the plurality of stores, and the first communication unit may transmit identification information for identifying the electronic scale together with the measurement data. In this structure, each of the measurement data transmitted from the electronic scale of each store can be identified.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, when an article is always placed and used, the weight of the article can be accurately measured.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a store management system according to an embodiment. 2A is a block diagram showing a configuration of a substrate in the electronic balance of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication device in the electronic balance of FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the data management apparatus. 4A is a perspective view showing the electronic balance of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4B is a schematic plan view showing the inside of the housing of the electronic balance of FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an electronic balance according to another embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic balance according to an embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the store management system 1 manages stores based on the weighing data of articles. The article is an item to be weighed such as a product. The article is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include foods, medicines and parts. The article may include a bag or a container that accommodates the article. The store is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include restaurants, retail stores, hospitals, factories, and warehouses. The store management system 1 includes a plurality of store units 2 and a server device 3.

  The store unit 2 is provided in each of a plurality of stores. The store unit 2 includes an electronic scale 10, an access point (second communication unit) 20, and a data management device (management device) 30. In the present embodiment, the store unit 2 includes a plurality of electronic scales 10.

  The electronic balance 10 includes a weighing device (weighing unit) 11, a communication device (first communication unit) 12, and a control device (first control unit) 13.

  The weighing device 11 electrically measures the weight of the article. The weighing device 11 includes a load cell 14 and a substrate 15. The load cell 14 detects the weight of the article and outputs weighing data regarding the weight to the substrate 15. The weighing data output from the load cell 14 is an analog signal such as a voltage corresponding to the weight of the article to be weighed. The load cell 14 includes an element for measuring strain such as a semiconductor pressure sensor. The load cell 14 is not particularly limited, and various known load cells can be employed.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the substrate 15 includes a signal conversion unit 15a and a near-field wireless communication unit 15b. The signal conversion unit 15a converts the analog signal measurement data output from the load cell 14 into digital signal measurement data. The signal conversion unit 15a outputs the measurement data to the near field wireless communication unit 15b. In the present embodiment, the weighing data of the digital signal is an electric signal indicating a voltage.

  The near-field wireless communication unit 15b transmits the measurement data converted into a digital signal by the signal conversion unit 15a to the communication device 12 by near-field wireless communication. The near-field wireless communication unit 15b receives from the communication device 12 a reception confirmation response to the effect that the communication device 12 has received the measurement data by near-field wireless communication.

  Near-field wireless communication is close-field communication, and is low-power wireless communication having a communication area of an extremely short distance of about several millimeters. As a communication method for near-field wireless communication, various known near-field wireless communication methods can be used. For example, a FeliCa (registered trademark) communication method can be used. The near-field wireless communication unit 15b is configured by, for example, an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip and an antenna.

  The control device 13 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The control device 13 calculates the weight of the article. The control device 13 calculates the weight of the article based on the weighing data output from the signal conversion unit 15a. The control device 13 calculates the weight from the weighing data, and subtracts the tare weight from the weight to calculate the weight of the article. The tare weight is a weight including a tare 17 described later. The control device 13 has a function of performing zero point correction. The control device 13 sets the weight to “0 (zero)” when an operation for instructing execution of zero correction (for example, pressing of the zero correction button) is performed by the operator. Zero point correction is performed when an empty container or the like is placed on the electronic balance 10.

  When the electronic balance 10 is turned on, the control device 13 transmits a request signal for requesting measurement data immediately before the power is turned off to the data management device 30. The power can be turned off by an operation of a power button (not shown) by an operator, a momentary interruption (lightning) due to a lightning strike or the like. The control device 13 calculates the weight of the article based on the weighing data transmitted from the data management device 30 in response to the request signal and the weighing data output from the weighing device 11 after the power is turned on.

  Specifically, the control device 13 determines whether the power is turned on immediately before the power is turned off based on the weighing data transmitted from the data management device 30 and the weighing data output from the weighing device 11 after being turned on. The difference in weight between after being put in is calculated. The control device 13 calculates the current weight of the article by subtracting the tare weight from the weight including the difference. The control device 13 transmits the calculated weight as measurement data to the data management device 30 via the communication device 12.

  The communication device 12 is a wireless module that receives the weighing data of the weighing device 11 from the weighing device 11 by near-field wireless communication and wirelessly transmits the received weighing data to the access point 20. The communication device 12 includes a near-field wireless communication unit 12a, a storage unit 12b, a transmission unit 12c, a control unit 12d, and a battery (battery) 12e.

  The near-field wireless communication unit 12a receives measurement data from the near-field wireless communication unit 15b of the substrate 15 by near-field wireless communication. The near-field wireless communication unit 12a transmits a reception confirmation response to the effect that the measurement data has been received to the near-field wireless communication unit 15b through near-field wireless communication. The near-field wireless communication unit 12a is configured by, for example, an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip and an antenna.

  The storage unit 12b includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and the like. The storage unit 12b stores an ID code unique to the communication device 12 and a program executed by the control unit 12d. The ID code is identification information for identifying the communication device 12.

  The transmission unit 12c wirelessly transmits the measurement data received by the near-field wireless communication unit 12a in association with the ID code stored in the storage unit 12b. Specifically, the transmission unit 12c wirelessly transmits the weighing data together with the ID code by wireless communication using the 920 MHz frequency band. As a communication method of the transmission unit 12c, various known wireless communication methods can be used.

  The control unit 12d is configured by a CPU or the like. The control unit 12d controls the operations of the near-field wireless communication unit 12a and the transmission unit 12c by reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 12b. The battery 12e supplies power to the communication device 12. The battery 12e is provided in the communication device 12. For example, a small button-type battery is used as the battery 12e.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the electronic balance 10 includes a rectangular box-shaped casing 16 that opens upward, and a rectangular box-shaped tare 17 that opens downward. The housing 16 is a lower structure of the electronic balance 10. The tare 17 is an upper structure of the electronic balance 10 and constitutes a weighing pan on which an article is placed. The tare 17 is put on the casing 16 so as to close the opening of the casing 16. The housing | casing 16 and the tare 17 are formed with metals, such as stainless steel. On the side surfaces of the casing 16 and the tare 17, a wireless communication window 18 is formed as a through hole penetrating the inside and the outside. The wireless communication window 18 enables reliable wireless communication from the communication device 12 to the access point 20.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the weighing device 11 and the communication device 12 are accommodated in the housing 16. The load cell 14 of the weighing device 11 is arranged at the four corners in the housing 16 with the load receiving direction being the vertical direction. The load cell 14 contacts the inner surface of the tare 17 and supports the tare 17. The substrate 15 of the weighing device 11 is disposed in the housing 16 with its thickness direction set to the vertical direction. The measurement data of the load cell 14 is input to the substrate 15 through wiring.

  The communication device 12 is detachably provided on the weighing device 11. Specifically, the communication device 12 is placed and held on the substrate 15. In the illustrated example, the communication device 12 has a position on the substrate 15 where the near-field wireless communication unit 12a is located in the communication area of the near-field wireless communication unit 15b of the substrate 15 (that is, the weighing device 11 and the communication device). 12 is detachably held by a holding member 19 at a position capable of near-field wireless communication.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the access point 20 receives the weighing data and the ID code wirelessly transmitted from the communication device 12 of the electronic balance 10. The data management device 30 is connected to the access point 20 via a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like. The data management device 30 manages the measurement data and ID code received by the access point 20. The data management device 30 is composed of a general computer.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the data management device 30 includes a storage unit 30a and a control unit (second control unit) 30b.

  The storage unit 30a includes a ROM, a RAM, an HDD, and the like. The storage unit 30a stores each of the weighing data of the plurality of electronic balances 10 in time series in association with the ID code.

  The control unit 30b is configured by a CPU or the like. The control unit 30 b acquires the weighing data stored in the storage unit 30 a in response to a request from the electronic balance 10 and transmits the weighing data to the electronic balance 10. Specifically, the control unit 30b acquires the measurement data stored in the storage unit 30a before the request signal is received and immediately before the request signal is received. The control unit 30 b causes the weighing data acquired from the storage unit 30 a to be transmitted to the electronic balance 10 via the access point 20.

  The server device 3 functions as a host device that manages the plurality of store units 2 in an integrated manner. The server device 3 can communicate with each data management device 30 of the plurality of store units 2 via a network N such as the Internet. The server device 3 comprehensively manages the measurement data managed by each data management device 30 of the plurality of store units 2. The server device 3 is composed of, for example, a computer installed at a headquarter center for a plurality of stores. The server device 3 may be able to communicate directly with the data management device 30.

  As described above, in the store management system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the power is turned on, the electronic scale 10 acquires and acquires the measurement data immediately before the power is turned off from the data management device 30. Based on the weighing data and the weighing data output from the weighing device 11 after the power is turned on, the current weight of the article is calculated. Thus, in the store management system 1, the electronic scale 10 does not perform zero point correction when the power is turned on. Therefore, in the store management system 1, even when articles are always placed, based on the weighing data acquired from the storage unit 30a and the weighing data output from the weighing device 11 after the power is turned on. The weight of the current article can be calculated. Therefore, the store management system 1 can accurately measure the weight of the current article after the power is turned on.

  In the store management system 1 according to the present embodiment, in the store unit 2, the communication device 12 of the electronic scale 10 and the access point 20 transmit and receive weighing data by wireless communication. In this configuration, since there is no need for wiring of a communication cable in the electronic balance 10, an improvement in the degree of freedom in layout of the electronic balance 10 can be easily realized.

  In the store management system 1 according to the present embodiment, the electronic scale 10 is provided in each of a plurality of stores. The communication device 12 of the electronic balance 10 transmits an ID code for identifying the electronic balance 10 together with the weighing data. In this configuration, each of the weighing data transmitted from the electronic scale 10 of each store can be identified by the server device 3 that manages the store.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention has been described, this invention is not necessarily limited to embodiment mentioned above, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the communication device 12 is disposed in the housing 16 has been described. However, the arrangement of the communication device 12 is not particularly limited, and may be arranged outside the housing 16. For example, like the electronic balance 10 </ b> A shown in FIG. 5, the communication device 12 may be provided on the front side surface of the tare 17.

  In addition to the above embodiment, the communication device 12 may include a display unit that displays the measurement data. For example, as in the case of the electronic balance 10A shown in FIG. 5, when the communication device 12 is disposed outside the housing 16, even if a display unit 12 f such as electronic paper is provided on the front side of the communication device 12. Good. According to this configuration, the measurement data can be displayed using the communication device 12. Since the degree of freedom in layout of the communication device 12 and thus the display unit 12f is increased, it is possible to display the measurement data at an easily viewable position.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the casing 16 and the tare 17 are formed of metal has been described as an example. However, the housing | casing 16 and the tare 17 may be formed with resin. Thereby, since the housing | casing 16 and the tare 17 permeate | transmit an electromagnetic wave, even when the communication apparatus 12 is arrange | positioned in the housing | casing 16, wireless communication from the communication apparatus 12 to the access point 20 can be performed reliably. . In this case, the wireless communication window 18 may not be formed.

  In the embodiment described above, the communication device 12 has the battery 12e as an example. However, the communication apparatus 12 and the board | substrate 15 may be electrically connected by wiring, and electric power may be supplied to the communication apparatus 12 from the board | substrate 15 via the said wiring. In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the communication device 12 is detachably provided on the weighing device 11 is not particularly limited. The communication device 12 may be detachably provided on the weighing device 11 using various known configurations.

  In the above embodiment, the weighing device 11 includes the communication device 12 and the substrate 15, and the embodiment in which the substrate 15 of the weighing device 11 and the communication device 12 are connected by near-field wireless communication has been described as an example. However, the weighing device 11 and the communication device 12 may be connected by a wired or other wireless communication method.

  In the embodiment described above, an example in which the electronic balance 10 (10A) includes the weighing device 11 and the control device 13 has been described. However, the control device 13 may be provided on the substrate 15 of the weighing device 11.

  In the embodiment described above, an example in which the electronic balance 10 and the data management device 30 are connected via the access point 20 so as to be communicable by wireless communication has been described as an example. However, the electronic balance 10 and the data management device 30 may be connected to be communicable with each other by wire.

  In the embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the weighing data stored in the storage unit 30a of the data management device 30 is transmitted to the electronic balance 10 in response to a request signal from the electronic balance 10. However, the electronic balance 10 may send a request signal to the server device 3 and send the weighing data stored in the server device 3 to the electronic balance 10.

  In the embodiment described above, an example in which the data management device 30 is provided has been described. However, the electronic balance 10 (10A) may transmit the weighing data to the server device 3.

  In the said embodiment, the shop management system 1 provided with the electronic balance 10 (10A) was demonstrated to an example. However, the present invention may be an electronic balance. As shown in FIG. 6, the electronic balance 10 </ b> B includes a load cell 14, a substrate 15, a storage unit 22, a control unit 24, and a display unit 26. The load cell 14 and the substrate 15 constitute a measuring unit 28 that measures the weight of the article.

  The substrate 15 includes a signal conversion unit 15a. The signal conversion unit 15 a converts the measurement data of the analog signal output from the load cell 14 into measurement data of a digital signal, and outputs the measurement data to the storage unit 22 and the control unit 24.

  The storage unit 22 stores measurement data. The storage unit 22 stores the measurement data output from the substrate 15 in time series.

  The control unit 24 calculates the weight of the article based on the weighing data. When the electronic balance 10A is turned on, the control unit 24 acquires the weighing data immediately before the power is turned off from the storage unit 22, and the obtained weighing data and the substrate 15 after the power is turned on. Based on the output weighing data, the current weight of the article is calculated. Specifically, the control unit 24 is turned on immediately before the power is turned off based on the weighing data acquired from the storage unit 22 and the weighing data output from the substrate 15 after the power is turned on. The difference between the weights after and after is calculated, and the weight of the current article is calculated based on the difference. The control unit 24 displays the calculated weight on the display unit 26.

  As described above, in the electronic balance 10B, when the power is turned on, the weighing data immediately before the power is turned off is obtained from the storage unit 22, and the obtained weighing data and the weighing unit after the power is turned on. The weight of the current article is calculated based on the weighing data output from. Thus, the electronic balance 10B does not perform zero point correction when the power is turned on. Therefore, in the electronic balance 10B, even when an article is always placed, the current weight is obtained based on the weighing data acquired from the storage unit 22 and the weighing data output from the substrate 15 after the power is turned on. The weight of the article can be calculated. Therefore, the electronic balance 10B can accurately weigh the current article after the power is turned on.

  Further, in the electronic balance 10B, the control unit 24 determines whether the power is turned on immediately before the power is turned off based on the weighing data acquired from the storage unit 22 and the weighing data output from the substrate 15 after the power is turned on. The difference in the weight of the article after being calculated is calculated, and the weight of the current article is calculated based on the difference. Thereby, even when there is a change in the weight of the article immediately before the power is turned off and after the power is turned on, the current weight of the article after the power is turned on can be accurately calculated.

  In the above embodiment, the measurement data immediately before the power is turned off is acquired from the storage unit 30a (storage unit 22). Based on the acquired measurement data and the measurement data output from the substrate 15 after the power is turned on. The form of calculating the weight of the current article has been described as an example. However, the measurement data acquired from the storage unit 30a (storage unit 22) may be other measurement data. For example, the weighing data may be previously stored zero point data. In this case, the control device 13 (the control unit 24) calculates the current weight of the article after the power is turned on based on the zero point data and the weighing data output from the substrate 15 after the power is turned on. To do.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Store management system 10, 10A, 10B ... Electronic scale, 11 ... Weighing device (weighing part), 12 ... Communication apparatus (1st communication part), 13 ... Control apparatus (1st control part), 20 ... Access point (Second communication unit), 22 ... storage unit, 24 ... control unit, 28 ... weighing unit, 30 ... data management device, 30a ... storage unit, 30b ... control unit (second control unit).

Claims (7)

A weighing unit for weighing the article;
A storage unit for storing the weighing data output from the weighing unit;
A controller that calculates the weight of the article based on the weighing data,
When the power is turned on, the control unit acquires the measurement data from the storage unit.   The electronic balance according to claim 1, wherein the control unit calculates a current weight of the article based on the measurement data acquired from the storage unit.   The control unit, based on the measurement data acquired from the storage unit and the measurement data output from the measurement unit after being turned on, immediately before being turned off and after being turned on The electronic balance according to claim 2, wherein a difference in weight of the article is calculated and a current weight of the article is calculated based on the difference. A store management system comprising an electronic scale and a management device for managing the electronic scale,
The electronic scale is
A weighing unit for weighing the article;
A first communication unit that transmits the weighing data output from the weighing unit to the management device and receives data transmitted from the management device;
A first control unit that calculates the weight of the article based on the weighing data,
The management device
A second communication unit that receives the weighing data transmitted from the electronic balance and transmits data to the electronic balance;
A storage unit for storing the measurement data received by the second communication unit;
In response to a request from the electronic balance, the second control unit that acquires the weighing data stored in the storage unit and transmits the weighing data to the electronic balance,
The first control unit, when the electronic balance is turned on, requests the weighing data from the management device, and acquires the weighing data transmitted from the management device.   5. The store management system according to claim 4, wherein the first control unit calculates a current weight of the article based on the measurement data transmitted from the management device.   The store management system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first communication unit and the second communication unit transmit and receive the measurement data by wireless communication. The electronic scale is provided in each of a plurality of stores,
The store management system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first communication unit transmits identification information for identifying the electronic scale together with the measurement data.

Images